East Rockford Middle School

The instrumental music program in Rockford Public Schools begins in the sixth grade at both middle schools and continues through the Wind Ensemble at Rockford High School. All levels of Rockford Bands are recognized throughout the state and nation as truly outstanding performing organizations. Rockford middle school and high school bands have been selected to perform at the State Music Teachers Conference (MMC) four times in the last six years.

The East Rockford Bands have been represented in the MSBOA Middle School All-State Band every year with at least one student performing in this elite ensemble since its creation in 2005.

Sixth grade beginning band

Two classes of full instrumentation meet daily by magnet with the focus on characteristic sound development of the instruments from the beginning. Students are taught how to read musical notation and the basic concepts of music theory. Students will perform in four concerts throughout the year: December, March, April and June.

Concert Band (7th grade)

The Concert Band continues to learn and develop ensemble skills. The focus of this ensemble is to start to gain musical independence. This performance based ensemble has concerts for the community in October, December and May. Concert Band also participates is MSBOA District Band Festival and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Concert Band has special performance opportunities such as performing for a West Michigan White Caps Game and marching in the Rockford Start of Summer parade in June.

Symphonic Band (8th grade)

The Symphonic Band continues to refine and develop ensemble skills through more challenging music and advanced musical concepts. This performance based ensemble performs for the community in October, December and May. Symphonic Band also participates in MSBOA District/State Band Festival and Solo & Ensemble Festival. Symphonic Band students also perform at a 7/8ers football game, the Rockford Cemetery for Memorial Day and march in the Rockford Start of Summer parade in June. Symphonic Band also takes an annual day trip to Chicago to celebrate 3 great years of music making in May of each year.